Cyclone Kenneth, the strongest storm to ever to hit northern Mozambique, has caused extensive damage to homes, schools and entire communities. Torrential rain and flash flooding continues as thousands of families and children are without access to desperately needed emergency supplies. Photo credit: Save the Children, April 2019.

What You Need to Know About Cyclone Kenneth

Cyclone Kenneth has struck northern Mozambique. The strongest storm to ever to hit the region, Cyclone Kenneth has put thousands of children at grave risk. This marks the first time in recorded history that Mozambique has experienced two cyclones of this magnitude in one season. Learn more about Cyclone Kenneth, including how you can help children and families in Mozambique affected by this disaster.

When and where did Cyclone Kenneth make landfall?

Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province on April 25, 2019. With maximum wind speeds of 140 mph, the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane, the deadly storm struck just six weeks after the country was devastated by Cyclone Idai.

Initial reports indicate the islands of Matemo, Ibo and Quirimba have taken the full force of the storm and have been totally destroyed. Torrential rains continue with flash flooding leaving thousands of children and adults without access to desperately needed clean water, food and shelter.

Who was affected by the Cyclone Kenneth?

Approximately 700,000 people in northern Mozambique were in the path of Cyclone Kenneth.

Many villages have been flattened, leaving families and children vulnerable. “We have grave fears for the thousands of families currently taking shelter under the wreckage of their homes. They urgently need food, water and shelter to survive the coming days,” said Nicholas Finney, Save the Children’s Response Team Leader in Mozambique.

In some districts, 90% of homes have been destroyed while health centers and schools have also been destroyed.

“Both (Cyclone Kenneth and Cylcone Idai) have shattered families and destroyed livelihoods,” said Finney. “The loss of life is devastating. Those who were already living on the brink of poverty have now been left with nothing. With donations dwindling, we’re facing a critical situation.”

How is Save the Children responding to Cyclone Kenneth?

Save the Children is scaling up our existing response to support emergency relief efforts across Mozambique. Our teams are working with the government and local partners to simultaneously assess disaster areas that are reachable and distribute lifesaving relief items to children and families in affected communities.

“We are desperately trying to look for ways to deliver emergency supplies,” said Nicholas Finney. “There was a small break in the weather yesterday when COSACA, a consortium including Save the Children, Oxfam and CARE, managed to deliver 1,200 tarps in Macomia district to families who have lost their homes. But today we can no longer reach these locations due to the flooding.”

We have distributed all of the supplies on hand and are bringing in more. Essential supplies such as plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, water buckets, tents and hygiene kits are on route.

While these materials are on their way to affected areas, more assistance is required to reach the thousands of children who need help.

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